Kuntal is a mountaineer, vegan, and animal rights advocate. After two aborted climbs to Mt. Everest in 2014 and 2015 due to natural disasters that left a deep impact on Kuntal, in May 2016, Kuntal broke the record of being the first climber to summit Everest completely vegan - with vegan food, vegan clothing, and vegan gear. 

Kuntal is an active vegan campaigner. Having been born into a vegetarian family, around 2001, while working in LA, he learned more about veganism and decided to make the transition. There has been no looking back since. 

Nowadays, you see more and more vegan athletes coming up - peeling away the stereotype of those not consuming meat as weak or feeble. Some of the best athletes in the world - from MMA to football, basketball, and tennis, and even ultra-endurance runners are all thriving on a plant-based diet - and Kuntal wants to bring that movement into mountaineering. 

Kuntal told me the harrowing story of his experience in the 2015 avalanche that left him not being able to breathe, how his love for mountaineering started and flourished, and we discuss being vegan in the mountains. We discussed the unsung heroes of Everest, the Sherpas, and how they do not get the credit they deserve, his future plans, and much more. 

My Take - Veganism has become mainstream, but unfortunately, the mountaineering community has not embraced it as much as some other sports. I think once outdoors sports communities realize the direct correlation between veganism and climate change they will reduce their consumption, Kuntal is definitely a pioneer in this space. 

Kuntal Joisher 

Kuntal's Instagram 

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